Eswatini has earned global recognition for its efforts in inclusive digital empowerment, clinching the Champion Award at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 High-Level Event 2025, held in Geneva. It was hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) received the award under the Capacity Building (C4) category for its project titled ‘Capacity Building for Elderly and Disabled Persons.’ The initiative provides tailored ICT training and access for vulnerable groups through the Universal Access and Service Fund (UASF), ensuring no citizen is left behind in the digital age.
Out of 972 global entries, only 360 were shortlisted for public voting.
ESCCOM’s project emerged among the top-voted initiatives, earning its place as a WSIS champion.
The WSIS prizes honour impactful projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and this year’s edition marked the summit’s 20th anniversary.
The award was presented at one of the world’s most prestigious ICT gatherings and represents a significant endorsement of Eswatini’s digital inclusion agenda. ESCCOM worked in collaboration with the deputy prime minister’s office and the ministry of tinkhundla administration and development to roll out basic ICT skills training across the country, including digital services awareness and cybersecurity education.
The Eswatini delegation to the WSIS event was led by PS Andreas Dlamini. It included Senator Princess Ncengencenge, MP Charles Ndlovu, ESCCOM CEO Mvilawemphi Dlamini, and other senior officials. Delegates proudly donned national colours and traditional attire at the award ceremony, where they received a certificate signed by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
“This recognition is not just for the Commission, but for the Kingdom of Eswatini as a whole. It affirms our national resolve to ensure that no citizen is excluded from the digital revolution,” the principal secretary said. This global accolade places Eswatini among leading nations in championing inclusive ICT policies and highlights the country’s proactive approach in bridging the digital divide.
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